G7 farm groups on governments to support rules-based trade, innovation

Farm organizations from the G7 countries called for governments to support stable rules-based trade, modernized regulations and other measures to help farmers weather “unprecedented pressures,” the Canadian Federation of Agriculture said in a joint news release, Monday.

“Canadian farmers, like our counterparts across the G7, are facing complex challenges that demand coordinated, forward-thinking solutions,” said CFA president Keith Currie.

“We are committed to working with our global partners to strengthen food security, drive innovation, and advance climate resilience,” he added. “With the right tools, policies, and support, farmers can continue to lead the way toward a more sustainable and secure future for all.”

Canada is hosting G7 leaders in Kananaskis, Alta. from June 15 to 17.

Leaders have prepared draft documents on topics like migration, articifical intelligence, critical minerals and the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, Reuters reported on Monday.

Trade threats

In a statement, farm groups from Canada, the U.K., the U.S., Japan, France, Italy and Germany, noted trade and supply chain disruptions due to rising protectionism, conflict and shifting global alliances. This, among many factors, has challenged farmers’ ability to maintain productivity and ensure food security, they said.

“Persistent economic instability and escalating trade wars with the unpredictable imposition of tariffs continue to disrupt farm operations and agri-food value chains,” the groups said in the statement.

“Farmers bear the brunt of these trade distortions.”

The groups urged the G7 governments to support farmers to weather trade instability while pushing for transparency, reduced volatility, stable trade policy, and a multilateral, rules-based system “underpinned by the World Trade Organization.”

Regulatory modernization, innovation

The farm groups also called for the G7 to pursue regulatory modernization.

“Regulatory inefficiencies and outdated policies can restrict growth, innovation, and trade,” they said.

“Aligning regulations with modern science and global standards can reduce costs, improve competitiveness, and facilitate fairer international trade.”

Regulation should also recognize agriculture’s environmental, social and cultural contributions “beyond mere productivity metrics.”

Farms, including small-scale operations, also need access to the latest technology, like precision agriculture, biotechnology and artificial intelligence-based decision-making tools, the groups said.

“Innovation must become a priority for G7 countries,” the groups said.

They called for a farmer-centred approach, more public and private investment, enabling infrastructure and a supportive regulatory environment.

”Investing in agriculture also means investing in rural communities, territorial balance, and the intergenerational renewal of the farming sector as key pillars for the future of the globe.”

Sustainability

The statement also acknowledged increasing environmental volatility.

“The escalating effects of climate change — seen in more frequent droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events — are threatening crop yields and livestock health, while placing additional stress on rural infrastructure and farmers,” it said.

The farm groups called for “realistic, science-driven and incentive-based” climate policies. They also called recognition that farmers bear much of the risk associated with climate change and need tools and support to manage that risk.